Mercedes Launches Hardcore AMG GT R Ready For FOS

Chances are you’ll know it as soon as you see it. Up front is a new “Panamericana" grille, with its distinctive 15 chrome-plated vertical fins. At the rear is a large new rear aerofoil and double diffuser. The body is wider, the suspension is modified and the whole lot comes  in special AMG “Green Hell” paint as a nod to the car’s development at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

A lot of the changes are derived from the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racer, but under the bonnet here is not the 6.3 lump but the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 from the GT road cars. For this super GT, the V8 boasts 585hp (75hp up on the GT S). It is enough for claimed performance of 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 197mph.

“Never before has Mercedes-AMG packed so much motor sport technology into a production vehicle,” says the firm. “The GT R combines the driving dynamics of the AMG GT3 racing car with the everyday practicality of the AMG GT.”

Here’s GRR’s whirlwind guide to what to look out for on AMG’s new road racing flagship:

• Wider front and rear wings and increased track
• Venturi effect new active aerodynamics in the underbody
• Carbon roof standard
• Forged lightweight 20-inch wheels shod with Cup tyres
• Active rear-wheel steering
• Nine-way adjustable traction control
• Adjustable coil-over suspension designed specifically for the AMG GT R
• Electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle
• Continuously variable adaptive damping system
• 585hp at 6250rpm and 700 Nm at 1900-5500 rpm
• Race mode to adjust transmission shift strategy for track use
• Rear-biased weight distribution of 47 to 53.
• Aluminium and carbon reinforced body
• AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Manually adjustable AMG sports bucket seats upholstered in nappa leather
• 15 kilograms lighter than the AMG GT S
• Market launch in Europe begins in March 2017